Bedpan washer with pistol-type nozzle

ABSTRACT

A water and liquid additive control system including a valved outlet and operable to automatically discharge only water therefrom when the valve controlled outlet is actuated to flow liquid therepast at a rate not exceeding a predetermined rate and to discharge water as well as metered amounts of additive liquid therefrom when the valve controlled outlet is actuated to discharge water therefrom at a rate exceeding the aforementioned predetermined rate. The valve controlled outlet of the system is further carried by the outlet end of a flexible hose including spring means biasing the hose into a coiled state and the biasing action of the spring means on the hose as well as the valved outlet carried thereby is sufficient to at least partially coil the hose and therefore shorten its effective length when the hose and the valved outlet are allowed to hang free.

United States Patent Heald FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,151,568 5/1956 France...........................................4/l

[54] BEDPAN WASHER WITH PISTOL-TYPE NOZZLE [72] Inventor:

Jerome Ingles Heald, 903 East Wardlow, Long Beach, 1.10s Angeles County, Calif. Pmm'y Ams 90807 Attorney-Clarence A. O Bnen and Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A water and liquid additive control system including a valved outlet and operable to automatically discharge only water therefrom when the valve controlled outlet is actuated to flow 22 Filed: Sept. 24, 1970 211 Appl.No.: 75,176

52] US. ct.........................v...........................4/1,4/7,4/10 quid therepast at a me not exceeding a predetermined rate 511 Im. on. .................A47k 17/00, A471: 1 1/08, A47k 3/22 and to discharge water as we" as metered amounts of additive [58] Field of Search 10; 128/229; 4/145 liquid therefrom when the valve controlled outlet is actuated to discharge water therefrom at a rate exceeding the afore- [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS mentioned predetermined rate. The valve controlled outlet of the system is further carried by the outlet end of a flexible hose including spring means biasing the hose into a coiled state and the biasing action of the spring means on the hose as well as the valved outlet carried thereby is sufficient to at least partially coil the hose and therefore shorten its effective [10 length when the hose and the valved outlet are allowed to .4/7 4/10 11 Claims,8Druwing Figures .uw mmflm ynnnm mWWW eee GJJJG 50355 56666 99999 11111 yWMUW 1 85579 000766 AJ WJJ 53x I ,9 ,2 223333 PATENTEDMAR 7 i972 SHEET 1 [IF 2 IN VIiNTOR.

W a Annmqs WU gill Jero me Hen/d IN I/lzN'I'OK BEDPAN WASHER WITH PISTOL-TYPE NOZZLE The water and liquid additive supply system of the instant invention could be used in various environments, although it has been specifically designed to be utilized as an apparatus for washing bedpans over an upwardly opening receptacle such as a toilet bowl having a drain connection with a sewer line.

Conventional practice provides a valve controlled outlet nozzle on the free end of a flexible hose suspended above a toilet bowl or the like. A nurse washing a bedpan holds the bedpan with one hand in a tilted position over the toilet bowl and grasps the outlet nozzle of the flexible hose in the other hand for directing a jet of water from the nozzle into the bedpan in order than the latter can be rinsed out. Subsequent to this process, the bedpan is scrubbed in a pail of hot water containing a strong germicide and is then rerinsed and dried for reuse (by the same patient) or autoclaved for use by another patient.

Water pollution laws require than an approved vacuum breaker be properly installed ahead of this system. If a pistontype atmospheric vacuum breaker is used, it must be located at least 5% feet above the floor with no shutoff attached to its outlet side, and any introduction of fluid (such as liquid soap) into this outflow must begin not less than 6 inches below. This means that the nurse must have a self-closing foot valve to turn the water on and off because both her hands are already preoccupied with holding the bedpan and the outlet nozzle. In addition, the nurse must drain the water remaining in the flexible hose after the water is shut off before the outlet nozzle can be replaced on its holding bracket, otherwise the water remaining in the hose would spill across the toilet rim and the floor.

Where a positive shutoff, or water maintained under pressure, is essential (such as is used in wet heating systems, boilers, etc.), an approved pressure-type vacuum breaker may be used. However, if this were applied to a bedpan washer instead of an atmospheric piston-type vacuum breaker, a certified plumber is required to make periodic tests and reports to safeguard against its malfunction, and even then concern exists about the possibilities of a malfunction between each test.

Also, equipment contamination laws require that the flexible hose and the outlet nozzle be so arranged that it would be impossible for the nozzle to fall into the toilet bowl, should the nurse accidentally drop it, and that there be a 2 inch clearance between the end of the nozzle and the surface of the toilet bowl rim when the hose is fully extended.

Standard practice has been to furnish a flexible hose long enough to allow the nurse to hold the nozzle snugly close to the bedpan to avoid unnecessary splatter, but when the hose is cut off to comply with the law requiring the 2 inch clearance, it makes the hose too short for the nurse to operate the nozzle in a nonsplatter manner.

There are other techniques presently in use in washing bedpans but these other techniques are even more undesirable than the technique set forth immediately above.

Accordingly, it is the main object of this invention to provide a water supply and liquid additive system including a valved outlet for use in washing bedpans and which is operable, by a simple manipulation of the outlet valve, to control the system to the extent that either clear rinsing water or water with liquid soap additive may be dispensed from the system, according to the actuation of a single valve actuator at the system outlet.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a bleedoff system which will be automatic and allow rapid draining of the flexible hose after each bedpan has been washed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a system including a spring coiled flexible hose with sufficient biasing action on the hose to support not only the outlet end of the hose but also a lightweight valved outlet carried by the outlet end of the hose, whereby the hose may be capable of positioning the valved outlet closer than two inches from the associated toilet bowl but may not fall down into or in contact with the toilet bowl should the valved outlet he accidentally dropped.

A flnal object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a system in accordance with the preceding objects which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system of the instant invention operatively associated with a toilet bowl;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing through the suction T-fitting by which liquid soap or other additive is introduced into the water supply line of the system;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken sub stantially upon a plane passing through the center of the adjustable bleedoff valve of the system;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing through the center of the outlet nozzle of the system and on somewhat of an enlarged scale;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the system in use cleaning a bedpan;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a modified form of control valve which may be utilized on the nozzle illustrated in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, similar to F IG. 3, but illustrating a double valve element check valve assembly.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates the system of the instant invention which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 of the drawings as operatively associated with a toilet bowl 12 and a water supply pipe 14. The water supply pipe 14 is disposed upright and has its inlet end connected to the outlet 16 of a floor mounted foot controlled valve 18 to which hot and cold water pipes (not shown) are connected. The valve 18 includes a hot water valve actuator 20 and a cold water valve actuator 22, and accordingly, either cold water only, hot water only, or a combination of cold and hot water may be supplied to the inlet end of the water supply pipe 14.

The upper end of the water supply pipe is supported by means of a wall bracket 24 and has a vacuum breaker 26 connected thereto.

An upstanding supply line 28 has its inlet end connected to the outlet 30 of the vacuum breaker 26 and includes an upper supply section 32 and a lower drain section 34 disposed above and below a "Mining 36 secured in the line 28. The lower end of the supply section 32 is supported by means of a combination wall bracket and support hook assembly 38 and the T- fitting is interposed in the line 28 at an elevation spaced slightly below the assembly 38.

A nonclosable adjustable bleedoff valve referred to in general by the reference numeral 40 is serially connected to the drain section 34! below the T-fitting 36 and the lower end of the drain section is connected to a drainage T 42 which is in turn connected to the toilet bowl spud 44.

An outlet pipe 46 has its inlet end connected to the T-fitting 36 and the inlet end of a flexible hose 48 is connected to the outlet end of the pipe 46. Further, a control outlet nozzle assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 50 is connected to the outlet end of the flexible hose 48, the latter including spring means (not shown) operatively associated therewith and extending therealong beneath the outer covering thereof for biasing the hose 48 to the coiled position thereof illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings in which the valved outlet nozzle assembly 50 may be readily supported from the assembly 38.

The supply section 32 of the line 28 includes a short horizontal section 52 in which a suction T-fitting 54 is interposed and the T-fitting 54 includes an inlet 56 with which the discharge end of a check valve 58 is connected.

Operatively connected to the inlet end of the check valve 58 is a liquid reservoir assembly referred to in general by the reference numeral 60 and including a vented and centrally apertured threaded cap 62. The reservoir assembly 60 corresponds directly to the liquid reservoir or container, associated cap and associated aerating means disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,200.

The check valve 58 includes a passage 59 therethrough including an enlarged portion 61 provided with an O-ring seat 64 and a stainless steel check valve ball 66 is disposed above and engagcable with the O-ring seat 64. In addition, the T fitting 54 also corresponds directly to the T-coupling disclosed in my above-mentioned prior patent.

The adjustable bleedoff valve 40 includes inlet and outlet ends 68 and 70 and a central rotatable valve member 72 having a diametric passage 74 formed therethrough. The valve member 72 includes a shank portion disposed exteriorly of the body 76 of the valve 40 and accordingly, the valve member 72 may be rotated from the exterior of the body 76. It will also be noted from FIG. 4 of the drawings that the valve member 72 is of the nonfully closable type wherein the flow of liquid therethrough may not be completely terminated, but only throttled from a maximum down to a minimum flow.

With reference now more specifically to FIG. of the drawings, the nozzle assembly 50 includes a tubular insulating handle portion 78 having a tubular inlet fitting 80 attached to one end and its other end attached to the inlet boss 82 of a valve body 84. The inlet boss 82 includes an inlet counterbore 86 in which one end of a conduit 88 is secured and the other end of the inlet conduit 88 extends through the inlet fitting and has the outlet end of the flexible hose 48 telescoped thereover. In addition, a packing gland assembly 90 is operatively associated with the inlet fitting 80 and forms a fluidtight seal between the hose 84 and the inlet fitting 80.

The valve body 84 has a valve member bore 92 formed therethrough and a first end of the bore 92 is provided with a counterbore 94 in which an Oring seal 96 is seated. The other end of the bore 92 includes a first counterbore 98, and a second counterbore 100. An elongated valve member 102 includes a stem portion 104 slidingly received through the bore 92 and the O-ring seal 96 forms a fluidtight seal with the stem or shank portion 104 which projects outwardly of the valve body 84. In addition, the valve body 84 includes a pivoted trigger 106 engageable with the end portion of the shank portion 104 projecting outwardly of the body 84 for urging the valve member 102 inwardly of the bore 92.

The outer end of the second counterbore 100 is closed by means of a removable cap 108 including an inner seat defining counterbore 110 and the valve member 102 includes a head portion 112 slidable in the first counterbore 98 and provided with an O-ring seal 114. A compression spring 116 is interposed between the valve head 112 and the inner end of the counterbore 110 and thereby yieldingly urges the valve member 102 toward the trigger 106.

The inner end of the counterbore 86 opens into a fluid passage bore 118 whose remote end opens into the second counterbore 100 and a discharge bore 120 is formed in the valve body 84 with its inlet end opening into the first counterbore 98. The outlet end of the passage or bore 120 includes a counterbore 122 in which the inlet end of a discharge nozzle pipe 124 is secured and the remove outlet end of the pipe 124 has a discharge nozzle body 126 secured therein.

In operation, when it is desired to have liquid flow through the valve body 84, the trigger 106 is swung in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5 of the drawings so as to urge the shank portion 104 inwardly until the head 112 is displaced into the second counterbore whereby liquid may flow through the valve body 84. A slight counterclockwise movement of the trigger 106 will cause a low flow of liquid through the valve body 84 and still further counterclockwise movement of the trigger 106 will displace the head 112 of the valve member 102 further outwardly of the first counterbore 98 and result in a higher flow of fluid through the valve body 84 and outwardly of the nozzle 126.

A modified valve body may be seen to be illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. This modified valve body 126 is similar to the valve body 84 except that the bore 128 thereof corresponding to the bore 118 opens into the inner end of the first counterbore 130 corresponding to the first counterbore 98 and thus the valve body 126 allows a minimum flow of liquid therethrough at all times and a greater flow of liquid therethrough when the associated trigger 132 is swung in a counterclockwise direction to inwardly displace the valve member 132 corresponding to the valve member. 102.

As hereinbefore set forth,.the T-fitting 54 corresponds to the equivalent coupling or fitting disclosed in my above-mentioned prior patent and is therefore operative, in conjunction with the assembly 60, to discharge metered quantities of liquid within the assembly 60 into the fluid flow through the fitting 54 in response to a high rate of liquid flow through the fitting 54 and to terminate the discharge of metered quantities of liquid from the reservoir assembly 60 into the fluid flow through the fitting 54 when the flow of liquid through he fitting 54 drops to a predetermined minimum flow. In this regard, the minimum flow through the valve body 26 is below the minimum flow through the fitting 54 which terminates the discharge of metered quantities of liquid from the assembly 60 into the waterflow through the fitting 54. Thus, when the valve member 132 of the valve body 126 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings, and either of the valve actuators 20 and 22 is depressed, only water will flow through the supply line 28 to be discharged from the valve body 106. However, when the trigger 132 is swung in a counterclockwise direction, the fluid flow through the valve body 126 is increased above the minimum flow at which metered quantities of liquid from the assembly 60 are discharged into the T-fitting 54 and thus liquid from the reservoir assembly 60 is discharged into the T- fitting 54 when the trigger 132 is pulled.

Also, the operation of the nozzle assembly 50 is similar in that when the trigger 106 is partially pulled in a counterclockwise direction so as to inwardly displace the valve member 102 only partially, the flow of liquid through the valve body 84 will not be sufficient for liquid from the reservoir assembly 60 to be discharged into the T-fitting 54. On the other hand, when the trigger 106 is pulled all of the way so as to inwardly displace the valve member 102 the maximum amount, the flow of liquid through the nozzle assembly 50 and thus the supply line 28 is sufficient to cause metered quantities of liquid from within the reservoir 60 to be discharged or sucked into the T-fitting 54.

Should there by any problem in adjusting the flow rate at which liquid from the reservoir assembly 60 will be discharged into the T-fitting 54 according to the positions of the valve members 102 and 132, the valve member 72 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the flow of water through the supply line 28 for any given adjusted positions of the valve members 102 and 132.

The length of the hose 48 is such to prevent the nozzle fitting 126 from contacting the toilet bowl ]2 when the hose 48 is fully extended and the hose spring means, not shown, provided for biasing the hose 48 to a coiled state is sufficiently strong to at least partially support the hose 48 in a coiled condition when the nozzle assembly 50 is carried by the outlet end of the hose 48. Thus, it is impossible for the nozzle assembly 50 to contact the toilet bowl 12 even should the nozzle assembly be dropped by the operator.

In operation, the bedpan is held in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings by one hand of the operator of the system 10. The nozzle assembly 50 may be held in the other hand of the operator and the trigger 106 may be fully depressed so as to cause water and also a liquid soap solution within the reservoir assembly 60 to be discharged from the nozzle 126 and directed upon the bedpan 140. After the bedpan 140 has been cleaned, the trigger 1% is allowed to return part of the way to its rest position whereby the flow of liquid through the nozzle assembly 50 will be reduced to the extent that no liquid soap is dispensed into the T-fitting 54 from the reservoir assembly 6% and only clear rinsing water will be discharged from the nozzle 126. On the other hand, should the valve body 126 be utilized, the trigger 132 is first fully depressed whereupon both water and liquid soap from the reservoir assembly 60 will pass through the supply line 128, the hose 48 and the valve body 126. After the associated bedpan 140 has been cleaned, the trigger 132 may be allowed to return to its rest position illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings whereby the flow of water through the supply line 28 will drop below that rate at which liquid from the reservoir assembly 60 is drawn into the T-fitting 54 and thus only clear rinsing water will pass through the valve body 126.

As soon as the bedpan 140 has been cleaned and rinsed, the operator releases the actuator or actuators of the valve 18 which had previously been depressed and the flow of water through the water supply line will thus be terminated. At this point, the vacuum breaker 126 will open and allow air to enter the upper end of the supply line 28 whereby the liquid remaining in the supply line 28 and the hose 48 will readily drain therefrom into the toilet bowl 12 and the drainage T 42. The draining of the hose 48 therefore is accomplished in only a few seconds, after which the operator may replace the nozzle assembly on the assembly 38 ready for further subsequent use.

With attention now invited more specifically to FIG. 8 of the drawings there may be seen a modified form of check valve referred to in general by the reference numeral 58' and which is similar to the check valve 58. The check valve 58' is threaded into a bore 56 similar to the inlet 56 and the inner end of the bore 56 is provided with an O-ring seal 57. In addition, the check valve 58 has a tubular sleeve 63 secured therethrough and the sleeve 63 includes longitudinally spaced seats 65 and 67 with which ball valve elements 69 and 71 are operatively associated. Cross pins 73 and 75 are secured through the sleeve 63 above the ball valve elements 69 and 71 and thereby limit their upward movement in the sleeve 63.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A bedpan washer comprising a receptacle of the type including a drain opening for connection with a plumbing drainage system and having a source of water under pressure operatively associated therewith for supplying water to be discharged into said receptacle and subsequently drained therefrom, a supply line extending from said source to said receptacle for discharging water into said receptacle, said line including a flow valve controlled inlet end portion and an elevated intermediate portion equipped with a vacuum breaker, a branch line having its inlet end portion communicated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker at a point above said receptacle and below and downstream from said vacuum breaker, at least the outlet end portion of said branch line being flexible and having a discharge nozzle on its discharge end, and flow restriction means in said supply line downstream from said branch line and upstream from the outlet end of said supply line.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said flow restriction means comprises an adjustable flow control valve operable to variably restrict the flow of water therepast above to a predetermined minimum flow.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is flexible and includes means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is a length, relative to the distance between said point and said receptacle, to position said nozzle within 2 inches from said receptacle when said outlet end portion is disposed to position said nozzle in its closest spaced relationship with said receptacle, said nozzle being of light weight and said means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state being of sufficient strength to at least elevate said nozzle more than 2 inches above said receptacle when said nozzle is hanging free on said outlet end portion and the latter is hanging free from said supply line.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said nozzle includes valve means operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the combined flow of water past said fiow restriction means and flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.

6. A bedpan washer comprising a receptacle, a water supply line including portion elevated relative to said receptacle and provided with a vacuum breaker, the discharge end of said line extending downwardly for gravity discharge into said receptacle, a branch having its inlet communicated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker, flow restriction means in said supply line downstream from said branch line, and nozzle means operatively associated with the outlet end portion of said branch line for forming a water jet discharge of the water passing through said branch line.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein at least the outlet end portion of said branch line is flexible and includes means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is a length, relative to the distance between said point and said receptacle, to position said nozzle within 2 inches from said receptacle when said outlet end portion is disposed to position said nozzle in its closest spaced relationship with said receptacle, said nozzle being of light weight and said means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state being of sufficient strength to at least elevate said nozzle more than 2 inches above said receptacle when said nozzle is hanging free on said outlet end portion and the latter is hanging free from said supply line.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said nozzle includes valve means operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the combined flow of water past said flow restriction means and flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.

10. A bedpan washer comprising a water supply line includ ing an outlet end portion having a valved nozzle assembly operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.

11. A bedpan washer comprising an upwardly opening receptacle of the type including a drain opening for connection with a plumbing drainage system, a source of water under pressure and having an outlet elevated above said receptacle,

a flexible hose including an inlet end and an outlet end and provided with spring means tending to coil said hose, the inlet end of said hose being connected to said outlet, a light weight valve controlled outlet nozzle connected to the outlet end of said hose, said hose being of a length, when uncoiled to its full length, enabling said nozzle to be spaced slightly above the receptacle and short enough to prevent said nozzle from touching said receptacle the biasing action of said spring means on said hose and the nozzle supported therefrom being sufiicient to raise said outlet end of said hose and said nozzle supported therefrom to a height at least two inches above said receptacle when said hose and nozzle are allowed to hang free.

k k 1F t i I 

1. A bedpan washer comprising a receptacle of the type including a drain opening for connection with a plumbing drainage system and having a source of water under pressure operatively associated therewith for supplying water to be discharged into said receptacle and subsequently drained therefrom, a supply line extending from said source to said receptacle for discharging water into said receptacle, said line including a flow valve controlled inlet end portion and an elevated intermediate portion equipped with a vacuum breaker, a branch line having its inlet end portion communicated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker at a point above said receptacle and below and downstream from said vacuum breaker, at least the outlet end portion of said branch line being flexible and having a discharge nozzle on its discharge end, and flow restriction means in said supply line downstream from said branch line and upstream from the outlet end of said supply line.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said flow restriction means comprises an adjustable flow control valve operable to variably restrict the flow of water therepast above to a predetermined minimum flow.
 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is flexible and includes means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is a length, relative to the distance between said point and said receptacle, to position said nozzle within 2 inches from said receptacle when said outlet end portion is disposed to position said nozzle in its closest spaced relationship with said receptacle, said nozzle being of light weight and said means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state being of sufficient strength to at least elevate said nozzle more than 2 inches above said receptacle when said nozzle is hanging free on said outlet end portion and the latter is hanging free from said supply line.
 5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said nozzle includes valve means operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the combined flow of water past said flow restriction means and flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.
 6. A bedpan washer comprising a receptacle, a water supply line including portion elevated relative to said receptacle and provided with a vacuum breaker, the discharge end of said line extending downwardly for gravity discharge into said receptacle, a branch having its inlet communicated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker, flow restriction means in said supply line downstream from said branch line, and nozzle means operatively associated with the outlet end portion of said branch line for forming a water jet discharge of the water passing through said branch line.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein at least the outlet end portion of said branch line is flexible and includes means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said outlet end portion of said branch line is a length, relative to the distance between said point and said receptacle, to position said nozzle within 2 inches from said receptacle when said outlet end portion is disposed to position said nozzle in its closest spaced relationship with said receptacle, said nozzle being of light weight and said means yieldingly urging said outlet end portion into a coiled state being of sufficient strength to at least elevate said nozzle more than 2 inches above said receptacle when said nozzle is hanging free on said outlet end portion and the latter is hanging free from said supply line.
 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said nozzle includes valve means operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the combined flow of water past said flow restriction means and flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.
 10. A bedpan washer comprising a water supply line including an outlet end portion having a valved nozzle assembly operatively associated therewith for selectively passing water thereby at predetermined slow and fast flow rates, and a liquid additive assembly operatively associated with said supply line downstream from said vacuum breaker below the latter and above the branch line, said additive assembly including a reservoir for containing a liquid additive and means operative to automatically discharge additive liquid from said reservoir into said supply line at a metered rate in response to the flow of water through said supply line at a rate determined by the flow of water from said nozzle at said fast rate and to terminate the flow of additive from said reservoir into said supply line when the flow of water from said nozzle is throttled down to said slow rate.
 11. A bedpan washer comprising an upwardly opening receptacle of the type including a drain opening for connection with a plumbing drainage system, a source of water under pressure and having an outlet elevated above said receptacle, a flexible hose including an inlet end and an outlet end and provided with spring means tending to coil said hose, the inlet end of said hose being connected to said outlet, a light weight valve controlled outlet nozzle connected to the outlet end of said hose, said hose being of a length, when uncoiled to its full Length, enabling said nozzle to be spaced slightly above the receptacle and short enough to prevent said nozzle from touching said receptacle the biasing action of said spring means on said hose and the nozzle supported therefrom being sufficient to raise said outlet end of said hose and said nozzle supported therefrom to a height at least two inches above said receptacle when said hose and nozzle are allowed to hang free. 